“Iswear to God, if you sigh one more time I’m going to call Otto, tell him you’resad,and then I’ll take the rest of the day off andyou’llhave to deal with him.” Glaring, Sorren adds, “By yourself.”
I gawk in horror at the idea.
“You wouldn’t,” I say, knowing he wouldabsolutelydo that and it would be miserable because I’m trying to be respectful of Deacon’s time with Jude and Arden and the baby.
Maybe a littletoorespectful, my nerves getting the best of me as one week has turned into two since our conversation at the bar. In my defense, work has been nonstop and we’re way past the part where it might be a good idea to hire someone else.
We’re drowning.
“Try me,” he deadpans and I don’t know why I’m doubting him. Sorren Mackay is almost always serious, and he’d absolutely saddle me with Otto, my ex-wife’s husband.
He’s my penance and salvation in this life, like a guardian angel with zero boundaries hopped-up on ten energy drinks and good vibes. He’s great, and aside from that one time he wantedto kick my ass when I first moved to Tennessee, it’s been pretty smooth sailing with all of us creating a blended family for Briggs.
“I saw Deacon a couple of weeks ago at the bar.”
“Bodhi said you sent him home that night.”
“Yeah, I just… I wanted to talk to Deacon alone, but when he got there I couldn’t make the words happen. And then he said he’s done chasing me and we’re just not on the same page or whatever.”
“I do love a good book analogy.”
“There’s something seriously wrong with you.”
“No argument here.”
“I told him it wasn’t over and that I wanted to give him time with his family, but now it feels like too much time has passed.”
“That sounds like an excuse.”
“I’m well aware.”
“Well, then I think you should talk to him—put a little effort in—if you really want to date him. As your friend, Idefinitelythink it’s time you got out there. You should go after him.”
“I do want to date him, and I told him that. I want a chance, but it’s hard to even know where to start. Do you know howlongit’s been since I actually dated someone? I honestly can’t even remember.”
The dates—the few there were—post divorce were all awkward and went nowhere, and the last person I was with was Fallon. I love my ex-wife; she’s my best friend, but we didn’tdate.
We hooked up at a party, she found out she was pregnant, and we got married. We were young and it was the only way I knew I could take care of her. I showered her with love and affection but it was moreyou’re my favorite personrather thanI want to rip your clothes off and do filthy things to youkind of love.
“And?” he says, because the man is annoyingly perceptive, especially when I don’t want him to be.
“And I’ve never…you know,and Deacon looks like he’s…uh?—”
“Fucked some dudes?”
“It’s called tact,” I manage, my face absolutely on fire because yeah,fucked some dudesis what I was trying to say.
“And some of us don’t have time for tact.”
“Thanks.”
“He’s been in and out of here formonths.Ever since Jude adopted his dog, Deacon comes and chats and you blush and he flirts, and every time, I have to watch you sulk when he leaves.”
“Way to kick a man when he’s down.”
“You want to go out with him?”
“Yes.”
